Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 5

Written Answers. - Milk Quota.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

30 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, under the 1998 milk quota restructuring scheme development plan, farmers who followed a dairy development plan drawn up under the farm modernisation scheme and reached a level of milk production of 35,000 gallons lose their priority category to qualify for additional milk quota under this heading upon reaching this level of production; and if he will make a case for extra milk quota for all dairy development plan farmers in the context of the Santer proposals in order that they can become viable farmers in the future. [24588/98]

Brendan Smith

Question:

55 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the Government's proposals at EU level to retain milk quotas; the proposals, if any, there are to obtain additional quota for small scale producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27714/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 55 together.

Negotiations on the EU Commission proposals for reform in the milk sector are continuing in the context of Agenda 2000. I have already made clear my objections to certain aspects of the proposals on milk both to the Commission and to my colleagues at the Council of Ministers.

Among the aspects of the proposals to which I object is the allocation of additional quota between member states. I have highlighted the economic importance of the milk sector to this country as well as the role of milk production in protecting viability at farm level.

During the course of the negotiations, which it is hoped will be finalised in March of next year, I will, in relation to any allocation of additional quota, be insisting on an equitable share for Irish milk producers.

In relation both to small scale producers and those with development plans, it is clear that within the constraints of the existing quota system, considerable efforts have been made to improve the position of these producers. They continue to have priority access to additional quota under the temporary leasing and restructuring schemes and they also have the possibility of applying to the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal for additional allocations.